they were just kids
begging for a taste
of the outside world
waiting for a hint of freedom
which could be used
just like a lighter
to set aflame the bonfire
they'd been building all year

when the heat set in
and days begun to get longer
the glimmer in their eyes shined brighter than ever
school ties were lost
& backpacks were filled with
anything but books

summer by the beach
under the stars
in each others arms
making memories
bound to last them
far more than a lifetime
leaving a mark
everywhere they went
so that once all this was over,
they'd continue to live on
with the legacy they left behind

lies & guys
kiss curls & girls
bars & cars
jubilation & intoxication

oh, they never thought it would end
and to be honest,
they didn't care
because nothing could compare
to the way the grass felt against their bare legs
or the way the sun burnt their rosy cheeks
they found all the needed within one another
whether it was arms to hold them
to keep them from falling apart
a smile to remind them
they were never alone
or lips
to help them remember
that there was more to life
than the nine to five routine

but as the cool winds begun coming ashore
taking back with them the summer love
the ecstasy was bound to start wearing off
back to black hair ties, black shoes & black hearts they went
back to the reality of it all
the summer spell broken
but reality could only keep them bound for oh, so long
because 9 months later
they'd be back
stronger
faster
brighter
smarter
with untethered souls
& shattered hearts
willing to throw it all away
for a night worth remembering



*[ a tribute to summer ]